Over the last several years I have written a number of crochet how-to booklets for DRG. I always strived to explore each technique in depth by including numerous variations using the technique. The booklets are in print for a few years but then fade into oblivion, not that the booklet was poorly received but yarns used in projects are no longer made, fashion changes and models look dated, and new techniques pique crocheters’ interest.

When I saw that DRG was collecting a number of techniques in a new book called the Crochet Compendium under the House of White Birches imprint, I checked it out on the internet and found that one of my booklets was partially reprinted in the collection. Shortly thereafter I received a contributor copy of the book. Wow, was I surprised! The technique sections of five of my (out of print) how-to books were partially or completely reprinted: bead crochet, hairpin lace, slip-stitch, waffle-weave, and wiggly crochet. Several of my projects were also reprinted. They had been chosen to be simple, timeless examples of the techniques and yarn neutral – projects in which different yarns could easily be substituted.

The book includes many other techniques. Several are by well known designers that are known for that technique. Darla Fanton does double-ended crochet, Margret Willson does mosiac crochet, Sue Penrod does fleece, and Kim Kotary does crochet socks. Some basic skills such as reading symbols and crocheting with thread are also covered.

The Crochet Compendium is well worth acquiring. It’s unlikely that you already have the original booklets for all of the techniques covered and even if you do can you find all of them? Each technique has detailed yet concise instructions. Although there are only one or two projects for each technique, the project(s) is(are) enough for you to try the technique to see if you like it or to refresh your memory of a technique tried long ago.

Ellison, Connie, ed., 2011, Crochet Compendium, House of White Birches #871130, DRG, Berne, IN, 136 p., ISBN 978-1-59217-341-9, $19.95 US

My grandmother whom I learned to crochet from gave me a pair of pillowcases with crocheted edgings as a wedding gift. She pasted away a few years ago and hadn’t crocheted for a while before that. But I loved the lace edged pillowcases and decided to carry on her tradition. I am crocheting lace edgings and attaching them to pillowcases as wedding gifts for all of my nieces and nephews. Most of them are old enough to remember Grandma Nehring and saw her needlework, especially  crocheting, knitting and quilting. I add a little note to the card about the pillowcases I received from Grandma and that I am continuing her tradition.

My friend and fellow crocheter Margaret Hubert is the author of The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet released by Creative Publishing International in 2010. The book features 100s of crochet stitches each documented with a beautifully photographed closeup and both written and charted instructions. It’s ideal for those who prefer a visual learning style. The book features several projects including examples of Margaret’s freeform crochet. Other projects are by well known crocheters which demonstrate different crochet techniques along with complete patterns. I can’t say I’m completely unbiased about this book. Margaret invited me to write an article on Crochet: Developing a Craft as a historical introduction to the book. I have reprinted the article here on my blog with permission of the publisher. After reading the article I’m sure you will want to check out the whole book.

Hubert, Margaret, 2010, The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet, Creative Publishing International, Inc., Mineapolis, MN, 272 p. ISBN-13 978-1-58923-472-7

Coats and Clark just released the pattern for this Granny Rectangle Make-up Bag that I designed. They advertise it as a make-up bag which is a perfectly good use for it but I use this bag to store all of the bits and pieces for my iPhone like earbuds, charger and USB cable. I can just pop it in my purse or suitcase as needed.

All of you crocheters have probably made a Granny Square but you can make a Granny Rectangle also. Here’s a crochet symbol chart to show you how to get started.

By starting with a chain and then slip stitching back along the chain through the bottom loop, you get a much firmer start and you have two vertical loops to work through all around for the next round. Then you continue adding rounds as you would for a Granny Square.

You can get a free download of the Make-up Bag LC2429 pattern from Coats and Clark at http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/Accessories/LC2429+Make+Up+Bag.htm.

Spotted my first crochet graffiti! This SUV with a crocheted wheel cover patterned after a doily was sitting in a local parking lot. The bright yellow perfectly matches the color of the SUV.

I’ll be teaching four classes at the Knit and Crochet Show in Greenboro, North Carolina on September 21 and 22, 2011.

Grading Patterns is a 20 minute lecture/question and answer for the Professional Development Day break out sessions.

Couture Techniques for Knit and Crochet is a 3 hour course covering finishing tips and techniques for either knit or crochet.

Unusual Combos is a 3 hour course discussing ways to attach crochet to other materials like plastic, paper and fabric.

Designing Larger Sizes is a 3 hour course discussing how to design for large sized women – both apples and pears.